From the Office of Curriculum and Instruction Support (CIS), we hope this series has shone new light on our Media Maker Spaces. This final piece of this four-part series will continue to debunk Maker Space misconceptions, demystify the experience of using our Maker Spaces, and provide suggestions to maximize the impact of your teaching and learning through course media.
Misconception(s): I don’t even know where to begin. I could never make anything that perfect. I need an ideal script before I can even start.
Perfection is not required.
In our last three issues, we’ve shared why video media can be a valuable resource to support the success of you and your students. In this final issue, we’ll take on one of the most common themes that we hear from faculty hesitant to use our Maker Spaces: the expectation that projects need to be “perfect” in some way (this couldn’t be further from the truth!). Read on as we provide some final advice for making the most out of your Maker Space experiences.
Get the most out of your experience.
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Planning is valuable- to a point.
- Don’t wait to have a “perfect” script before scheduling time to record. Having a plan before you come in to record is essential, but how or what you plan isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, a detailed script is valuable; for others, a PowerPoint slide deck or a simple list of talking points will suffice.
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Be Yourself.
- At CIS, through our mission of Engaging Learning, we aim to provide a welcoming atmosphere, a safe place for individuals to be creative, authentic, and support success at CMU, this is reflected in our office area and Maker Spaces.
- The most potent media products are those that are true to the style and personality of the creator. Teaching in a Maker Space is different from teaching in a classroom, but it is important to maintain your own mode of communication, style, and mannerisms.
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Practice.
- We suggest booking an appointment to explore our Maker Spaces. Low-stress introduction visits allow for a smooth orientation to the spaces and provide a helpful experience that will inform future visits and make your instructional media collection stronger in the long run.
- Additionally, the privacy offered in our Maker Spaces provides a safe space to figure things out, make mistakes, and record retakes without pressure.
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Ask for Help.
- As we’ve mentioned earlier, issues, training, consultations, and real-time support are available to help you succeed.
- We invite you to review all the resources we’ve provided in this series, and encourage you to bookend your scheduled recording with consultation appointments with the CIS Teaching and Learning Consultants and media experts specializing in preparing materials for media format, media type recommendations, and providing individualized guidance, feedback, and post-production assistance as needed.
Don’t take our word for it…
Our Maker Space users say:
- “These spaces are really nice, and I love that CMU has them. When I was recording, I kept thinking about how lucky we are that CMU offers equipment like this.”
- “The Maker Space and the wonderful staff of CIS have been instrumental in producing high-quality learning material for [our] program.”
- “CIS has made the Maker Space so easy to use and they are always willing to help. This is such an excellent resource for instructors!”
- “After having made just two videos, I’m a huge fan of the Video Maker Space. This is a really great resource, and I’m very grateful to have access to it.”
- “Now that I have used it once, I will definitely use it again”
Ready to try them for yourself?
- Schedule online or email us for more information and to make an appointment.
Why not?
- If timing is an issue, wait until this summer! CIS staff and media experts work year-round, and summer is a great time to practice and see what we can help you make.
- Something else holding you back? Did we miss your misconception? Let us know!